((Ben's in his early-mid 40's. Guess he needs to be the guardian of how good things used to be!))

((OOC: I properly can’t remember whether Ash drinks… I feel like maybe she keeps a clear head and tries to order milk wherever she goes if they have it, but I’m not sure it’s ever come up!… She will take a milk!… And I think she probably feels like she has to be the designated driver this evening and keep an eye on Ess and make sure he gets to a room after the one or two drinks he’ll be able to handle)).

((Not getting dranked with Ess if this is happening at the same bar that Kay was maybe going to go down in the basement and punch people in, but if this is happening before/elsewhere, perhaps.))

((Lol, yes I thought that! We have two bar scenes going, on two different nights, playing suimultaneously. Fights and drinks are different events, I’m sure of it. lol. It’s cool. It’s kind of like a Marshswamp evenings montage! Lol)).

((And Ben was on a date! Bad form to be fall down drunk at the starting gates! A nice little interlude, the party has been too busy to even a single night down for what must have been a month.))

((Yes, fight and date were the same night, Ben wasn't there with us, so Marshswamp Man singing and drinks must be another night.))

Hi everyone - I'm going to try and get this game back up and running! Long overdue! It might be slow but at least want to get the wheels turning. Looking back it seems it fell apart for me after my November 10th message post #2477 (not including random island boys stuff with Ess in the meantime, which I will roll up into this next post!) so I will go back from there, make a post and you can let me know if I've forgotten anything. 

Korrik, Ash and Ess, Kreb the bartender at the Empty Net explains more about the prize fighting. He talks quietly even though there are not many patrons in the place. "Yeh. We call it Club Fight. The first rule of Club Fight is: you do not talk about Club Fight. The second rule of Club Fight is: you DO NOT talk about Club Fight! Third rule of Club Fight: No magic. No weapons. Sorry if that offends ya, but that's just how we do things. Fourth rule: If someone yells “stop!”, goes limp, or taps out, the fight is over. And lastly, only two guys to a fight." he looks at Ash "ahem. sorry ma'am. I mean, one person versus one person. Or thing. Or whatever." he looks away awkwardly for a moment. "ONE ONE ONE."

Korrik, Kreb looks at you very enthusiastically "you want in? Heck just say the word pal. Fights tonight. First bout is a bit after midnight. I could slide you in somewhere I'm sure."

"Oh. The winner splits the pot from the crowd. We don't get a lot of people and that is how we like it, but the people who do come to watch definitely got the cash. You'd be surprised the folk who enjoy watching a good fist fight."

Kreb will also give you odds if you just want to perhaps bet on fights. He will show you the card - just let me know and I will prepare that with odds, etc. "Have to stay to watch the fight though. That's the only rule for betting. Can't just put a bet and leave."

If you're interested, Kreb will give you the details of the card and who you're fighting. You won't know this unless you accept and you'll only be told about it at fight time. It's how this works.

"Don't worry. I've been doing this a long time. I set up all the fights. I make 'em as fair as possible. . "

Ess would kind of nudge his way between you and Kreb at the bar and say "FORK IT. I AM IN BRO." 

Kreb nods "Perfect. I'll get you on the card. So, You in too then?" and waits for Korrik to respond.

Kreb does not ask Ash if she wants to fight...

Ben, regarding the proposed one day delay, the Queen Othokent says that even a day's delay after the meeting could blow the entire mission. "The time issssss now." she says. 

Ben, you are not familiar with the elven harpist who is performing tonight, although you do manage to persuade Hanna to let you perform after the harpist finishes her act! Hanna thinks for a moment and says "You know what, sure Ben! Could make for an interesting mix after Helena (the harpist) finishes her set." she looks at you and Kiorna and says "well enjoy dinner tonight you two, and good luck Ben! Same arrangement as before with the commission!" and she cheerfully leaves the table. 

Ben, you just can't seem to get a read on what's up with Hanna......

Ben, the conversation with Kiorna is kind of forced. You might've hoped that it would've went better (for a few different reasons?!) but yeah, it was just like two strangers shooting the shite with small talk. She'd say that the beautiful countryside brought her here, and the pending conflicts doesn't hurt her business either. You think she is primarily focused on profits from her business and she doesn't really get into whether she's into politics other than the deals she's made with Eliander for leather armor orders, of course. She doesn't mention that she really knows anyone else on council very well except for Eliander. 

Ben, your 'Fate of the Widow' performance is solid as usual. You're becoming a reliable staple here. You didn't knock it out of the park, but the patrons were entertained. So was Kiorna. "That was great, Ben!"

Ben, you receive 45sp and 24cp in tips for the performance. Hanna also pays you 4gp.

Kiorna will politely leave after the date should you not want to do anything else on this evening. Will you head up to your room for the night then? Or something else? 

Ben, the 12 (min 20) is not enough to persuade Ess not to ask Hanna if he can perform his song. He's going to ask her the next time he goes into the Line. Let's actually do that and the night of drinking at the same time, but in a different post at a later time in the game. It will mess up the day counter if we start doing that. Let's get the game running again and then the next time everyone is at the Line at the same time Ess will ask Hanna. 

Confirmed -> fight night and date night is the same night. Ess drinking/island boys song night will be a different night that hasn't happened yet. 

Oh, Ess is late 20's.

Prisoners returned + 16  /  11:50PM  /   The Line and the Net

BEN just finished his performance at the line.

ESS, ASH and KAY are at the Empty Net, waiting to fight?

Over to you and I really look forward to getting this game back up and running!

*ccccrrrreeeaaaaaakkkk as I open my GoS text!*

Korrik rolls his neck, getting a good crack or two 

"Sure, I'm game."

Korrik, Kreb says "Right. You got it, kid. I don't even know who yer gonna be fighting yet anyhow so I can't even tell ya even if I knew. Some replacement fighter is all I know. Replacing some chap recovering from that blasted Divoc 91 virus. Supposed to be arriving any minute. Oh, and we have an "alternate" entrance which I'll show you later specifically for the basement. Fighters enter via that door."

He pauses, and is about to say something to Ash and then decides not too.

"Ok, right. So Korrik and... Ess, was it? Right, Ess I dunno if we've got someone for you tonight yet or not. It'll be a game time decision. But I'll put you on the reserve list for tonight."

He pauses again, looks at Ash but doesn't invite her on the card. 

Ben nods to the Queen and says,

"A day too early might blow the mission, whatever that might be.  You're obviously privy to more of the situation than I and have a keener mind for this sort of thing."

He bows and departs with a thoughtful, tired expression.

---

On the boat to the captain,

"Okay, early tomorrow I would like to depart and need to be back in 7 days. If you can get me back by then date there will be a bonus."

He looks to the captain then asks the others,

"Who else would like a quick trip to Neverwinter?"

---

At the Line.

Ben will smile and thank Hanna for the opportunity to play. He won't refuse the money Hanna offers but will pass it, not sneakily but not making a scene of it either, on to Helena saying to the elf,

"It was a pleasure hearing another professional play! I'm here tonight on a date, not to work or cut in on your night. I hope to see, and hear, you again."

He'll give her a charming smile before returning to flub the rest of the date. He'll offer to walk her home and at the door kiss her hand if allowed, apologizing,

"I'm sorry I wasn't better company this evening. My mind was elsewhere, which is bad form. I would like to make it up to you sometime? Perhaps another dinner or lunch?"

((Ben would then head back and perhaps chat with Helena briefly about bard things if she was still about - popular songs, new fashions. After that he'd turn in.))

Ben, the queen nods her head as you bow to her and leave. "Yesssssssss." 

----------

Ben, the captain says "Aye. It's a deal. Like I said, for passage only it'll be 15 gold a head." and he gets closer and looks you in the eye "I'll try my best with the 7 days, but I don't control the weather lad. So if it takes 10 days you best not be blaming me, right? Blame Mrs. Mother nature, right?! BAH HA HA!" he bellows as he accepts the proposal. "We will depart at sunrise tomorrow morn." 

Ben, Hanna notices when you pass the money to Helena and then start talking to her, and she leaves. 

Helena responds "Um, thanks? I actually wasn't even thinking anything about it... I thought you were just next up. You're on a date? What does that even..." she stops, sighs and takes the money. "You know what, whatever suits your fancy!" she takes the money. "I'll be playing here the next few nights should be inclined to hear more." she extends her small but strong hand for a handshake. "I'm Helena. Nice to meet you - ?"

"I'll admit, your gig wasn't half bad either."

Hanna sees this conversation.

Ben, Kiorna would allow you to walk her home as well as kiss her hand. She agrees to potentially meet up for lunch if you're 'downtown' (which is the market, lol) sometime. She responds "The night was fine, Ben! Was great to chat and you're quite the lutist!" she takes her hand back and walks into her home.

She does not look back. 

Ben, Helena is nowhere to be found when you return to the Inn. There's just the one clean up person doing their thing. There were a few bigger spills tonight. 

Prisoners returned + 16  /  11:50PM  /   The Line and the Net

Ben is in his room (unless he did/does something else - just let me know!)

Ash, Kay and Ess are at the Net, potentially about to head down to Club Fight.

To the captain,

"I won't hold you accountable for that which is out of your control, but hope the bonus means you'll do everything within your control to make it!"

---

Ben chuckles at Helena's confusion,

"How long have you been out playing? I can still remember the first time I got bumped for someone," he flicks a horn and winks, "with a fairer complexion or have to split a gig that had been promised to me. Maybe the road's been kinder to you!"

He shakes his head at her confusion about the date,

"I'm here with a friend for dinner and she hadn't seen me perform so I offered to ask Hannah."

He waves that away,

"In any case, I likely won't get to see you play again in town. I'm heading out on business. You planning to head north or south from here? Oh, I'm sorry, my name is Ben."

To Kiorna,

"Thank you, it was nice to get to you better as well. Pleasant dreams."

Ben looks around the empty taproom. He closes his eyes and breathes it in before heading to bed.

Ben, Helena sighs and says "Ahem. Sorry. Can't go a night around here without some creep trying to get in my pants. Performers included. I thought you were... nevermind."

"I've got a few more days here, then will likely head back home to Neverwinter. This was actually supposed to be a vacation, well still is the tail end of it, but I got word there were spots here to play and just thought I'd make a little extra bit before heading home. Had my fill of sunsets and dinners anyhow on this trip!"

She seems a lot nicer now.

"Business? Do you have more gigs elsewhere? Nice to meet you, Ben. And thanks for the coins. That was nice of you. You a regular here?"

Back at the Empty Net, Kreb invites Ash, Ess and Korrik behind the now empty bar and towards a trap door in a storage room in the back. 

((Ash, feel free to retro speak to Kreb if you wish!))

Kreb says "I shut down the Net a little early on fight nights. We have them a few times a month, and I usually make more than enough back for the time the bar is closed. Bah ha ha!" he laughs as he opens the trap door which leads to a wide well lit staircase that goes down.

"The pit is down here."

The stairs down are quite long. Not the regular one story basement style. Maybe 4 or 5 stories down.

Halfway down the stairs, Kreb says "There's the alternate exit." he points to a hidden door in the staircase which leads out behind the bar. "Shouldn't say alternate. Everyone who's involved enters via that way. Speaking of everyone involved, we're almost there."

You reach the bottom of the stairs and come to a large room. Upon entry, you notice the fighting area in the middle, with raised sections on the right and left for spectators. (please see the new Club Fight tab for the complete visual).

You smell sweat and hear the quiet hum of multiple voices talking. A quick glance and you see spectators, fighters, some type of guard in full plate armor, someone off to the right working away with papers and coins at a desk and someone watching the gate to the fight pit.

Kreb is in front of you all.

Kreb says "Welcome.... to CLUB FIGHT!"

"Now listen, I know I said the first two rules are to never talk about Club Fight, and I meant it. It's just... well, you (points to Korrik) we chatted before, and well I don't know, I just trust ya. Club roster's a bit low and given you came back in, I thought what the heck."

He still does not ask Ash if she wants to fight. He isn't mean to her, just isn't asking her if she has any interest. Just Ess and Korrik. 

He goes over the rules again. "If someone yells “stop!”, goes limp, or taps out, the fight is over. And, it's just one on one. Any questions"

Ess says "Uh... bro... has anyone died in a fight bro?"

Kreb takes a deep breath, rolls his eyes and does not answer the question. He looks over at the fighters, and then says to Ess "Looks like we've got a full roster tonight, friend. Next time, you're in though."

He would motion Ess and Ash up to the spectator section once the fights start.

Kreb will now also explain who is fighting who along with explaining the available betting odds for each fight. You can see the fighter icons on the map, but I will provide more details about them once I get the next post out.

In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions about the surroundings and the map itself, or any of the icons/people or anything else for that matter and I will answer and/or make you roll checks accordingly.

On the way down:

"No magic, that means no casting spells at the other guy, and no having magic on yourself? What about magic gear and the like? You got someone who checks all that stuff?"

((Korrik's pretty confident in his abilities without magic items, but wants to make sure that whoever he's fighting isn't rocking a "Necklace of Good Punching" or something, and we don't have Ben to scan with his magic eyes.))

When they get down below, he scans the room and the folks in it.

Insight: 11

((Anyone acting odd? Anyone that we recognize from our interactions with the council or other 'upper crust' of Marshswamp? Is the pit mostly dimly lit? Looks like the part facing the stairs and the part under the far torch are the only bright? Though, I suppose he'd have trouble arguing that shadow-porting is anything other than magical. ))

Ash notices that Kreb doesn’t invite her to fight. She thinks on what the reasons for that might be, but doesn’t make a scene either way tonight since she wants to enjoy the evening.

Insight on Kreb why he doesn’t ask Ash to fight (woman? Tabaxi? Reason?): 5 

Depending on the odds, she will likely bet 100gp on Korrik to win. But she will arrange it subtly so Ess doesn’t notice or get offended.

She keeps her eyes flicking back to the crowd. Anyone we recognise? Any of the council here? And she keeps an eye on the whole affair to make sure nothing shady is up. Well obviously something shady is up but nothing that could put them, or the fighters, in jeopardy (other than a fair fight).

From time to time she will tap out a signal in Thieve’s Can’t that just says, “Approach - me - welcome”. Or if she catches anyone’s eye then she makes sure her hand is signalling the same. Just polite and speculative. Like wearing a secret badge to signify one of a certain group.

Ash declines Ben’s invite to Neverwinter saying that she would rather avoid undue attention from there for now. But she would tell them to look out for a big human that might have troll blood in them somewhere and who has ‘a pig nose’, and to avoid them at all costs. She pushes her cat’s nose up high and mimes a literal pig’s nose. 

Ben nods with sympathy at Helena's dilemma,

"Well, it is a tough side of the job. It doesn't get easier the higher up you play, the creeps just get more self entitled. Especially the performers!"

He looks back his table the says,

"Never say no to a good gig, that's a solid motto to live by. I will have to look you up when I am in Neverwinter again! I've played here a few times, Hanna has been generous. I'm not much of a regular though, due to by working as a consultant for the council. They keep me out and about, not as much time playing as I would like."

He takes a step away and gives a small bow,

"You earned those coins, no need to thank me. I don't mean to be rude, but I should probably get back to my date. A pleasure meeting you, have a good creep free evening!"

Ben, Helena responds "Well. Perhaps I shall hire a bodyguard as I intend to take this to the top!" and she lifts her harp as high as she can, and laughs. "Yeah, sure, Ben, do that. Maybe we can play together or something back home."

She stops abruptly "the council? Wait, don't tell me you're the politicianly-type?? Never been fond of politics."

"Pleasure is also mine, Ben!"

Korrik, Kreb stops everyone on the stairs on the way down. He looks at all of you with the most serious eyes you've ever seen him give. I mean... he's really not that intimidating of a guy, and it's almost kind of funny as he kind of gets a bit upset, but nonetheless he gazes at Korrik and says

"Korrik. Let's make sure we're on the same page here with this. This is a club of respect. Of trust. When I tell you there's no magic, there's no magic. None of it. No casting, no gear, not on yourself, none of it. We don't check it. We trust our fighters. Put a lot of time into them before they were allowed to fight."

He pauses and thinks to himself.

"DRAT. I went and did it again, didn't I.... Look, I said I trusted you before for a reason. I feel we might be cut from the same cloth. Or at least the same sheet? I should've waited longer to tell you about this club, and I know I'm going to hear it from the boss, but I don't know. Something about the look of ya. Listen, all I can say is that there's no magic down here, and all of the fighters respect it. It's... a code. I would hate to see what happens down there should someone break out that crap. It's an honor system type of thing. You know, to see who's the best man! Ba ha ha ha!" and he stops suddenly and looks at Ash says "Ahhh. Pardon me, Esh. You know what I mean."

"No magic. The bus boy has been known to shove a healing potion down a competitors throat before after a wicked KO, but yeah... no magic, guy. Come on boy, don't make me look bad, right? Never been wrong about a scouting pick and never plan to be. Here, it's right down here."

Korrik, no one is acting odd. I mean... this entire thing might seem extremely 'odd' to the nice little old lady at the end of the street, but for the people who are in here, no one is acting oddly that you see. You notice the different 'groups' - the fighters, the spectators, the guard and the people who look like they are working here. You recognize no one from town except Kreb of course. The fighter pit is dimmer than the surrounding sections, for sure. There might be a shadow in the corner, yes. And yes, that would be an interesting argument indeed!

Ash, you can't tell one way or another why he isn't inviting you to fight. Honestly... who knows with this guy. Wouldn't surprise you if it was because you are a woman. You also don't see anyone you recognize. Please roll an insight check as you scan the place for shadiness. 

Korrik, Kreb says "So yeah pal, I told you it was going to be last minute opponent. Looks like you'll be in there with Melanie." he points to the woman in the purple suit, and then leans in closer. "Listen kid, she's been in the circuit a long time. Don't be too proud to give up early, alright?" and he pats your shoulder and chuckles. He then goes and talks to the guy working over to the right, and then comes back and yells out to the crowd "OK ALL, LISTEN UP! odds for the last fight will be +500 on the new kid, -500 on Mel. Got it?! LET'S GET IT BOYS!!" and the crowd cheers and some of them walk over to the guy at the desk on the right and seem to make more bets. 

Below is the fight card which the young man who's opening the gate to the pit hands out after a few minutes of being here. The odds are posted on the card, and explanation of odds are in the spoiler below.

Kreb says to Korrik "Next time I'll get your picture on the card, alright my man! Short notice and all." and he smiles. 

Ash, after the first bout, you'd hear a response tapped out in thieves cant coming from the woman sitting alone to the east of you. She taps “both - of - you - question - mark”

Let me know if any of you want to make any bets. Ash, you've got 100gp on Korrik. If he wins, you'll get the 100 back, plus 500 more. Feel free to change your bet as well if you want. 

Ess isn't betting. He's sulking because he didn't get picked to fight. "All I asked was if anyone has died, jeez." and he sulks into his chair and watches. "Good luck, Korrik bro." and he gives you the gang sign from earlier and then returns to sulking. 

Over to you!

Insight check (for shadiness): 18 

Ash is happy with her bet. She does it sly though, so as not to heap pressure on Korrik. 

Ash also responds to the Thieve’s Cant message with ‘No… Just - me… This - place - safe?… You - in - town - for - long?’. 

Ben smiles at Helena's distaste for politicians,

"You're going to have to hold your nose an awful lot then if you're planning on going to the top! I'm not a politician but they do tend to have the deepest pockets and can afford to be the best patrons. Hard to avoid them!"

He'll smile and go to is doomed date.

"Easy, man, easy! You say there's a code that everyone follows, that's all I needed to know! I did just find out about this a few hours ago. Just wanting to make sure I'm not jumping in a pool of barracuda thinking they're cod! I trust you, my friend, but I don't know who I'll be fighting, and if they're as upstanding and honest as you, but you vouch for them, that's good enough for me, and I'll make sure you vouching for me doesn't bite you!"

"Short notice?! A height joke? Kreb, I thought you were bigger than that!"

Korrik admonishes him with mock dismay, ending with a grin.

Korrik strips out of all of his gear, and gets limbered up. He doesn't go out of his way to make himself stand out. If people take the gamble on him and he wins, so much the better for them, but if he falls, no need to over hype their chances.

He presses a healing potion into Ash's hand with a wink, trusting her to get to him quick if he needs it.